Improving On Our Photography Skills at the Apple Store

Visiting the Apple Store in Milton Keynes for the "Today at Apple" workshop on taking better photos with an iPhone was a great experience. We are mid-50s and we were going back to school! Our daughter had given us robust feedback that our photography skills were shocking, and given the many thousands of poor photographs we have taken we felt it was time to take action. We were eager to learn and improve.

TL;DR

As we walked into the Apple Store, we were excited. A passionate instructor, with years of experience in photography and a deep understanding of the iPhone, welcomed us. The next 60mins went by in a flash.

The Excitement of the Workshop

The workshop began with a quick overview of the fundamentals of photography, emphasing the iPhone’s camera features. We were in a small group of just four people, all total beginners quite unaware of the advanced photograph features that the iphone offer, but eager to learn.

Learning the Basics

One of the first things our instructor highlighted was the importance of lighting. Natural light, for instance, can elevate a photo’s quality significantly. We learned how to adjust exposure settings effectively and identify the best angles to make each shot count.

We also explored various camera modes on the iPhone, including Panorama. Each mode has features designed to enhance photography. For example, Portrait mode creates a striking contrast between the subject and the background, making it ideal for portraits.

Composition Techniques

Another significant lesson was about composition, particularly the "Rule of Thirds." This principle suggests breaking an image into a 3x3 grid and placing points of interest along these lines or intersections. By enabling this grid feature on our iPhones, we could better frame our shots to create compelling images.

We practiced taking photos of different subjects throughout the store, experimenting with various compositions. It was fascinating to see how shifting our angle just slightly could turn a simple photo into something captivating. For instance, when photographing a product display from a lower angle, we found that the shot felt more dynamic and engaging.

Editing Tips

The workshop also delved into basic editing techniques using the Photos app. We learned how to crop images, adjust brightness and contrast, and apply filters—skills that can immensely improve our photography. The instructor showed us how even slight tweaks could lead to substantial enhancements.

Having the chance to edit our photos immediately made the process more rewarding. Watching our images transform with just a few adjustments was empowering and reaffirmed that professional-looking photos are achievable without complex software.

The Impact of iOS 26 - All Change!

Just as we started feeling confident in our skills, we remembered that iOS 26 was set to launch the following day. Doh! However, the instructor reassured us that the foundational techniques we were learning would remain relevant despite the changes.

Putting Our Skills to the Test

After the workshop, we couldn’t wait to put our new skills into practice. Our photographs are definitely improving - but we have some way to go. That said, for now, we feel better equipped with our newfound knowledge to continue to experiment with different lighting conditions and compositions.

For example, I found myself the other day taking close ups of flowers for the first time ever.

A Final Thought - Today at Apple

There’s something special about being able to document our retired lives, and the travel we have planned, through a lens - I'm excited to get started with the travelling again, and take time to take good photographs. Attending the "Today at Apple" workshop on photography was great. We learned valuable techniques, explored exciting new features, and realised that there is shed loads of stuff we don't know.

If you're thinking about attending a workshop at your local Apple Store, we wholeheartedly recommend it. No matter your skill level—whether you're a beginner or seeking to refine your craft—there's always something new to discover. We will be returning for another session soon.